a ver. 13, 14.
549.] god's care of his people. 231
inbred corruptions are ever watching for an opportunity to be- tray them into the hands of their great Adversary. But God's eye is ever over them, to counteract the devices of their enemies, and to uphold them in his everlasting arms. Not one of them will he ever suffer to " be plucked out of his hands." Their wants too, whether temporal or spiritual, he will supply. He may suffer them to be reduced to great straits, even as Israel were, when they had come out of Egypt. But sooner shall manna be given them from the clouds, and water from the rock, than they be left to perish : for his express promise to them is, that provision shall accompany his protection ; and that, whilst " their place of defence is the munition of rocks, bread shall be given them, and their water shall be sure*"." " Whilst they seek first the kingdom of God and his right- eousness, all needful things, whether of a temporal or spiritual nature, shall surely be added unto them'=."]
But, before you take to yourselves the full comfort of these declarations, it will be proper for me yet further to shew,
II. What should be your feelings towards him —
The truly upright, even of the lowest class, can say, with David, '" Our soul waiteth for the Lord." If you are indeed of the number of his people, then are you waiting for him,
1. In a way of humble affiance — [The language of your heart is, " He is otir help and our shield." But is it thus indeed ? Are you going to him from day to day, as sinners who stand in need of mercy? and are you crying to him continually for " grace to help you in every time of need?" I do not ask whether you are free from assaults ; but, whether they drive you to him for aid ? It is supposed that you have enemies to conflict with, and trials to sustain : else you would not need to be looking out for a shield to protect, or for help to succour, you. But do you so realize the watchful care of God, as to renounce all hope in the crea- ture, and to rely on him alone? If you truly " fear him," and truly " hope in his mercy," you cannot but make him your refuge, and commit to him your every care.]
2. In a way of confident expectation —
[The Psalmist, having such a Protector and such a Helper, anticipates a successful issue to all his trials ; and declares, that the very trust which he reposes in God is at once the gromid and measure of his expectations from God : " Our heart shall
^ Isai. xxxiii. 16. <" Matt. vi. 33.